The turn of a new year is always a time for us to once again reflect on the year that has been and to look forward to the year to come.
Every year (including 2020) has within it triumphs and successes; every year also contains its share of unfulfilled plans, unrealised dreams and bumps in the road. Every new year offers endless possibilities and an almost palpable excitement for the adventure that awaits. The turn of a new year gives us the opportunity for resolutions, for changes which will take us forward, and to choose the path that we will follow. As 2021 dawns upon us ... what path will we choose? I pray that this year we will keep our focus where it needs to be; that we will choose to walk in the light of Christ; that we will choose to be fully devoted in our discipleship of Jesus; that we will be intentional about growing disciples of Jesus in our homes, workplaces and churches; and that we will stand firm in our faith in the face of the pressure to come. May this new year draw each of us into the abundant richness of Jesus more than we ever thought possible. And a final prayer from Ephesians 3:14-20 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Happy New Year Rev’d Jen
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Advent is an important season in the life fo the church. This season speaks of our joyous anticipation and preparation for the coming of Christ. Our reflections should not simply recall the events leading up to the first Christmas; but should equally see us deeply preparing our hearts for the second coming of Christ.
Through the prophet Jeremiah the Lord counselled ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’. The formula for finding Jesus has always been the same, the earnest and sincere prayer of a humble and pure heart. This years theme of ‘A New Hope’ calls us to recall just who the baby in the manger truly was and what he achieved. It calls us as disciples to see who this baby in the manager truly is, to grow in our understanding of, and trust in God’s promises, to truly hold onto the sure and certain hope that we have in Christ, and to trust in his faithfulness. I pray that as undertake our advent preparations this year that each of us may grow in our awareness of God's love for us; and draw closer to him, rendering our hearts to his service and our lives to expectant and purposeful preparation. Great is his faithfulness! Grace & peace Jen |
AuthorJen is an energetic and passionate disciple of Christ who loves to share Jesus with anyone who will listen! Past Thoughts
December 2021
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